Chapter 2

Elizabeth Lytle, MPH, BSN, RN Los Altos School District

Your Psychological and Spiritual Well-Being

Topics Of Focus For This Chapter

Emotional Health

Characteristics

Spiritual Health

Benefits and how to enrich spiritual life

Positive Psychology

Areas of study and how to practice positive psychology

SleepDisorders and strategies to improve sleep

Practicing Positive Psychology

Self-Compassion Emotional intelligence Know Yourself Meet

your needs Self-Esteem

Happiness Optimism Moods

Humor Autonomy

Emotionally Healthy People Demonstrate:

Determination and effort to be healthy

Flexibility and adaptability

Sense of meaning and affirmation of life

Understanding that self is not the center of universe

Emotionally Healthy People Demonstrate:

Compassion for others

Ability to be unselfish when relating to others

Depth and satisfaction with intimate relationships

Sense of control that enables health-enhancing choices and decisions

Major Focuses Of Positive Psychology

Focus Area Examples

Positive Emotions Hope

Trust

Positive Traits Wisdom

Courage

Positive Institutions

Strong Families

Democracy

Components Of Positive Psychology

AUTONOMY SELF-COMPASSION

HUMOREMOTIONAL

INTELLIGENCE

MOODSKNOW

YOURSELF

OPTIMISM YOUR NEEDS

HAPPINESS SELF-ESTEEM

Positive Psychology

Practicing Positive Psychology

Self-Compassion Emotional intelligence Know

Yourself Meet your needs Self-Esteem Happiness Optimism Moods Humor Autonomy

Self-Compassion

Practicing Positive Psychology

Self-Compassion Emotional intelligence Know Yourself

Meet your needs Self-Esteem

Happiness Optimism Moods

Humor Autonomy

Emotional Intelligence

Emotional Intelligence Influences Success

What is Emotional Intelligence?

Ability to monitor and use emotions to guide thinking and actions

Health Benefits of Emotional Intelligence

Less prone to stress, depression and anxiety

Heal more quickly from serious illness

Emotional Intelligence has a greater influence on personal and professional

success than IQ

Emotional Intelligence Can Be Learned

Emotional Competencies That Benefit Students

• Focus on clear, manageable goals

• Identify emotions

• Understand emotions

• Avoid relying on ‘gut’ feelings

Practicing Positive Psychology

Self-Compassion Emotional

Intelligence Know Meet your needs Self-Esteem

Happiness Optimism Moods

Humor Autonomy

Know Yourself

Practicing Positive Psychology

Self-Compassion Emotional intelligence Know Yourself

Meet needs Self-

Esteem Happiness Optimism Moods Humor Autonomy

Meet Your Needs

Emotional Needs Are Important Too

Practicing Positive Psychology

Self-Compassion Emotional intelligence Know Yourself Meet

your needs Happiness Optimism Moods Humor Autonomy

Boost Self-Esteem

Self-Esteem Develops Over Time

Techniques For Developing Self-Esteem

• Develop habit of positive thinking and talking

• Fight off negative thoughts

• Practice positive affirmations

Practicing Positive Psychology

Self-Compassion Emotional intelligence Know Yourself Meet

your needs Self-Esteem

Optimism Happiness Moods Humor Autonomy

Pursue Happiness

Two Pillars Of Authentic Happiness

Happiness encompasses living a meaningful life, utilizing your gifts and

time, and living with thought and purpose

1 Engagement with family, work or a passionate pursuit

2 Finding meaning from some higher purpose

Where Does Happiness Come From?

The Happiest College Students Have:

Rich and fulfilling social lives

Romantic relationships

Rewarding friendships

And, they spend less time alone than other students

Practicing Positive Psychology

Self-Compassion Emotional intelligence Know Yourself Meet

your needs Self-Esteem Happi-

ness Optimism Moods Humor Autonomy

Choose Optimism

Practice Optimism Over Pessimism

Optimism Protects from disease

Allows adaptation in adversity

Reduces depression

Pessimism

Response to adversity may

involve destructive behaviors

Avoid taking steps to improve outcomes

Practicing Positive Psychology

Self-Compassion Emotional intelligence Know Yourself Meet

your needs Self-Esteem

Happiness Optimism Manage Moods Humor Autonomy

Manage Moods

Practicing Positive Psychology

Self-Compassion Emotional intelligence Know Yourself Meet

your needs Self-Esteem

Happiness Optimism Moods

Humor Autonomy Use Humor

Practicing Positive Psychology

Self-Compassion Emotional intelligence Know Yourself Meet

your needs Self-Esteem

Happiness Optimism Moods

Humor Autonomy Practice Autonomy

Autonomy Is Independence

Autonomous individuals feel that they are in control

Decisions are based on personal values

Decisions are not based on external influences or opinions

Spiritual Health – Identify Your Life Purpose

Spiritual Health

Ability to identify life purpose

Experience fulfillment in achieving full potential

Spirituality

Belief in higher power

Creates strong sense of purpose

Acts as guide in life decisions

Spirituality Enhances Physical Health

Prayer and

Meditation

Change the brain

May slow aging and decrease psychological symptoms

May increase feelings of compassion, security and love

Going to Church

Decreases risk of dying

Find Wisdom Through Spiritual Intelligence

Spiritual Intelligence

Does not require a belief in God

Focuses on finding wisdom within the person

Creates inner peace so you can listen to yourself

Definition

Capacity to sense, understand and tap into the highest parts of

ourselves, others and the world around us

Seven Ways To Enhance Spiritual Life

1. Sit quietly

2. Create small moments of silence

3. Go outside

4. Try less ‘cerebral’ activities

5. Ask questions

6. Trust your feelings

7. Develop a spiritual practice

Gratitude Is A Trait Worth Developing

Gratitude is a significant dimension of Positive Psychology – it increases optimism and

improves sleep and health

Definition‘Habitual focusing on and appreciating the positive aspects of life’

Practicing Gratitude

• Keep gratitude journal

• Look for times to be thankful

Sleep Affects Your Daytime Well-being

Lack of sleep can affect every aspect of a student’s life and causes:

Daytime sleepiness

Decreased level of attention

Impaired memory

Impaired decision making

Sleep Problems Are Common

Practice these strategies to improve your sleep

Have regular times to sleep

Create a pre-sleep ritual

Avoid caffeine in the afternoon

Don’t smoke

Try 30 minute naps during the day

Insomnia Is A Sleep Disorder

About

Chronic difficulty falling and staying asleep

Lack of sleep affects daytime functioning

May be caused by anxiety or depression disorders

TreatmentTherapy

Medication